Apple: Steve Jobs Taking A Medical Leave Of Absence

Apple has just issued a media advisory to reveal that Steve Jobs, co-founder and CEO is taking a medical leave of absence from the company.

Steve Jobs will continue to be the CEO and involved in strategic decisions. Appleâ€™s COO Tim Cook will oversee the day to day operations in Steve Jobs absence.

Apple issued the following media advisory:

Apple CEO Steve Jobs today sent the following email to all Apple employees:Team,At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple’s day to day operations. I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.Steve

Apple hasnâ€™t provided any further information on when Steve Jobs will return from his leave of absence.

Steve Jobs had taken a leave of absence from January 2009 to June 2009, which turned out to be for a liver transplant.

New York Times is reporting that according to their source, Steve Jobs is suffering from immune system issues that are common with people who have received liver transplants.

Mr. Jobs suffers from immune system issues common with people who have received liver transplants and, as a result, his health suffers from frequent “ups and downs,” according to a person with knowledge of the situation, who agreed to speak on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss it.In recent weeks, Mr. Jobs began a down cycle and slowed his activities at Apple, the person said. Mr. Jobs has been coming to the office about two days a week, and appeared increasingly emaciated, the person said. He frequently lunched in his office, rather than in the company cafeteria, the person said.

Though it doesnâ€™t seem to be good news for Apple, based on history weâ€™ve seen that Apple has continued to be successful in his absence.